By blood and breath
in ashes and under stars we cast, and we call
we are what you fear
and also what you have forgotten
we, who are gifted with magic and spells
do not need to ask permission
nor do we need belief
understanding, or acceptance
our spells are the keys to many things unknown
our fires remember
and our names are written on the wandering wind
we are never gone, we are only ever hidden
until we are needed and we are always needed
so mote it be
© Ann Bagnall
Explanation of the final line ‘so mote it be’
In Masonic rituals, ‘So mote it be’ is used to conclude prayers, rituals, or lodge openings and closings, signifying agreement and a wish for the stated will of God to be realised. The phrase emphasises the hope that the intentions and actions will be brought to fruition.
In Wicca and other Neopagan traditions, ‘So mote it be’ is used at the end of spells, rituals, or prayers to seal the working and affirm the desired outcome. It serves as a declaration that the magical or spiritual work is complete and will manifest in reality.
The word ‘mote’ is an archaic verb from Old English, meaning ‘may’ or ‘might’. ‘Mote it be’ essentially means ‘may it be so’ and it carries a sense of emphasis and determination, according to My Freemasonry.
Annie's Poetry 